krueger r



Nov. 12, 1935. A 5r, H, KRUEGER Re. 19,756

TAPE SERVING DEVICE Original Filed Sept. 6, 1923 3 Sheets-Sheet l HLHmmm II I l' l Q uhul l 1% m WW Q M ATTORNEYS ATTORNEYS 3 sheetsfisheet 2 T. H. KRUEGER Nov. 12, 1935.

TAPE SERVING DEVICE Original Filed Sept. 6, 1923 3 Sheg'ts-Sheet 3 ATTORNEYS R E G E u R K H TAPE SERVING DEVICE Original Filed Sept. 6, 1923 Reissued .Nov. 12, 1935 PATENT" OFFICE Tarasaavmc DEVICE 'Theodore H. Krueger,

assignor to Better Putney, Stratford, Conn Packages, N., Y a corporation of New York Inc., New York,

Original No. 1,638,815, dated-August 9, 1927, Serial No. 661,168, September 6, 1923.-

Reissue No.

1 ,322, dated January 1932, Serial No. 558,615,

August 21, 1931.

June 8, 1935, Serial No.

application for reissue 25,685

. 34 Claims. (91-91-145) This invention relates to devices for servingsealing tape. It is particularly concerned with -mechanism for delivering pieces of gummed paper tape in a moistened condition ready for 5 application to parcels, wrappers and the like.

. guide for the'tape,

The prising invention contemplates a machine coma table member in which is mounted a a mechanism for applying moisture-to the tape as it is fed out of the machine, a mechanism mounted to ride on the guide for feeding the tape through the moistener, and mechanism for severing the tape, which mechanism is interposed between the moistener and the'guide.

One feature of the present invention consists in providing a construction whereby the table member'is mounted at a convenient height from the base of the machine, so that a parcel may be held under the tape as it issues from the machine and be directly applied to the package by mefialy forcing the moistened surface into contact with the package. tened surface of Another feature of the invention consists in providing the feed mechanism and the severing mechanism with operating members or finger piecm substantially in alignment with each other so that the operator, by a natural, continuous motion of the hand towards himself, is enabled to operate the feeder and the cutter, these parts being so arranged, that at the end of the feed stroke the hand passes naturally oil the finger the tape is thus made unnecpiece of the feeder to the finger piece of the cutter.

The feeding and the serving mechanisms are provided with springs whereby after each opera ticn, they are automatically returned to their initial positions without further action on the part of the operator. The feeding operation is accomplished by means of the feeder, so that the tape need not be pulled manually out of the machine, as in certain constructions of the prior art in which the feeding mechanism serves only to initiate the feed, requiring the desired length of tape to be pulled out manually. During the "feed stroke, the tape .through the moistener and is thus caused to leave the machine in a thoroughly moistened condition. In this manner, the operator is enabled to feed out. the tape, to moisten it and sever any desired length of it without having to touch the tape during the process.

A further feature of the invention consists in providing a one-piece sheet metal guide for the through the guide and Handling of the moisis automatically passed tape, which guide serves simultaneously as a track or slide for the tape feeding mechanism. The invention, moreover, provides additional guide means whereby the tape is guided from the severing mechanism into and through the mois- 5 tenlng mechanism so that buckling of the tape is absolutely prevented throughout its entire, path in the machine. 1

The invention provides further a moistening; mechanism in which a self-adjusting pressure member is caused to hold the tape in engagement 'with the moistening member, so that the tape engages themoisteningmember with substantially uniform pressure irrespective of variations in the position of the moistening member. The 15 last-named member is preferably in the form of a brush extending upwardly-from a reservoir, as disclosedand claimed in my U. S. Patent No. 1,567,655.

A further feature of the invention consists in the construction of .the carriage whereby the same is normally held out of engagement with the tape and is caused to engage the tape for feeding the same through the guide only when its handle is held depressed. This permits the 25 operator to move the carriage into any desired position before beginning the feeding stroke, thus enabling him to make only a portion of the feed stroke or several full feed strokes before operating the severing. mechanism, so that he may obtain any desired length of tape.

The above and further features of the invention which will appear fully hereinafter, will now be described in connection with a preferred form of embodiment thereof, reference being had to 5 the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a vertical sectional view of one form of embodiment ofthe invention;

Figure 2 is a top plan view of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is an enlarged sectional view of part I ceiving member B, a tape-guiding means C, a

tape-advancing means D, a tape-severing mechanism E and a tape moistening means F. The frame A isprefer constructed of cast metal and consists of an elongafid base or ped- Q I02 of the strip,

. tire frame is shaped so that it may be cast in one piece, as shown in the drawings, but of course it may be formed of several parts bolted together, if desired. The pedestal is provided with foot members I05 of soft rubber or similar material, so that the machine may be placed on a polished surface, such as that of a store coun- 'ter, without danger of scratching or otherwise marring the same.

The rearward end of'the pedestal is provided with a recess I (Figure for receiving the tray I6, which, in the present form of embodiment, constitutes the, tape-receiving means B. The tray is supported in the recess by means of cross members I00 and I01 cast integral with the pedestal, and is retained in this position by means of a tongue II which is secured to the bottom of the tray and which, when the tray is in place, extendsunder the shoulder I00 of the pedestal. By merely tilting its rearward end upward, the tray may readily be detached from the pedestal when a new roll of tape is to be inserted, but accidental displacement of the tray, pull on the tape, is effectively prevented.

It may here be noted that as the roll is unwound by pull on the tape 24', the roll is caused to engage both the end wall I0 and the bottom wall II of the tray. Two points of contact, 2I and 22, are thus provided between the roll and the tray withthe result that frictional resistance is caused to retardthe unwinding of the roll. The tape is thus held taut and the roll is prevented from loosening its outer layers by continuing its rotation after the pull oh the tape has ceased. A sloping bottom II may be provided-to hold the tape continually in engagement with wall I6.

From roll 20 the tape 20 passes into the guiding means 0,

means, in the preferable form of construction, consists of a single piece of sheet material 20 provided with flanges I00, (Figure 4) which flanges are folded over toward each other so as to constitute, together with the center portion a guideway for the tape.

A slot 30 is provided along the middle of the center portion I02, so as to expose the lower surface of the tape in the guideway, and the adjacent edges of thefolded over flanges are separated from each other by a distance substantially equal to the width of the slot, so as to expose the upper surface of the tape.. The tape, therefore, as it passes through the guide, is closely confined along its edges and thus straightened, but is left exposed on top and hottom along its center line for the purpose of be-- ing engaged by the tape-advancing means D, as hereinafter described.

At the entrance end of the guide, the flanges -areprovided with upturned lips 21, to enable the tape to be readily introduced. The center portion I02 of the guide is extended beyond lips 21 to form an apron 25, which apron serves not only to form a bearing surface for the tape entering the guide, as readily apparent from Figure 1, but also has a clamp for securing the entrance end of the guide to for which purpose. the apron is bent into a shape such as to embrace a cross-piece IOI provided as by which means is mounted on the .,table member 9b of the casting. The guiding finger-piece 00 so that- 'vided in the-upper edge of the table member,

in the cantilever portion 0b of the frame. The other end of the guide is secured to the forward end of the table member by means of screws I00, as hereinafter described.

The means D for advancing the tape through 5 the guide C consists in the preferred form ofembodiment of a slider 29 provided with a pivoted flnger-piece 36. The slider consists of a' single piece of sheet material IIO provided with pairs of flanges III and I I2 folded over the edges 10 of guide 20, so as to permit of free sliding movement between the slider and the guide.

It will thus be seen, that in accordance with. this invention, the means constituting the guide for the tape serves also as or slide for the tape-advancing device. The finger-piece 30 is pivoted tothe slider by means of a pin II3 which passes through upwardly extending lugs Ill integral with the slider and through depending lugs I I5 integral with the flnger-piece. A spring 35 coiled about pin III serves to hold the finger-piece normally in such position that a pair of lugs I I6 integral with the finger-piece are in engagement with the previously mentioned flanges III and H2 of the slide. In this position the slider is free to be moved backward and forward on the slide without causing movement of the tape in the slide.

For the'purpose of causing the slider to engage the tape, the finger-piece 36 is provided at its center with an extension III, which extension is curved backwardly under the finger-piece to provide a jaw member 3|, which jaw is adapted to cooperate with a raised portion 30 in the slider to constitute a mechanism for gripping the tape. A slight. pressure on the finger-piece 05 is thus sufllcient to cause the tape to be gripped between jaws 30 and 3| and to be moved with the slider. As soon as the pressure on the finger-piece is relieved, the jaw member 3| is tilted by means of spring 35 out'of engagement with the tape, so that further movement of the slider is not transmitted to the tape. a

It will thus be understood that with the fingerpiece 30 depressed, forward movement of the slider will advance the tape through the guide and through the severing and moistening means hereinafter described. Return movement of the slider ismade automatic by means of a biasing mechanism. such as the spring 40, one end of which is anchored in the casting by means of a screw 42, and the other end of which is secured I to a depending lug I20 of slider 20. The intermediate portion of the spring passes over a grooved roller ll mounted to rotate freely in a bracket I I0 fixed to the cross bar IOI of the casting by means of a screw 9.

Atthe end of the forward or feeding stroke oi the slider, the operator merely releases the the jaw member 3| is to tilted out of engagement with the tape and the slider is returned to its original position. by the tension of spring 40. .The backward movement of the slider is terminated by the engagement of the lug I20 with a pin 45, which pin may be inserted into any one of a number of holes 40 prothe casting. The length of tape fed by a single operation of the advancing means may thus be automatically controlled.

and a movable vertical blade 40 which is pivoted 76 the bearing surface 15 .is sufiicient to force the on a lug ll' integral with By thus making the lower or severing mechanism flat shear above the guide brought nearer the moistening tank so that the moisture will only have to be conveyed. a

shortdistanceabove thetanktomoistenthetape;

A lug 52 on the movable blade operate with a notch 52a of the arc of on pin 5| serves for the p is arranged to cothe blade to limit 49. A spring III of holding the movement of blade shear members 49 and 41 in close engagement at their pivotal ends. A mounted to engage the lug 52 spring Illa is at its outer end second for the purpose of forcing the remote end oi the movable blade into engagement with the stationary one. In this action spring llla is assisted by a spring 54' fastened blade 49a and to a lug l2! oi combined action of the sprin s. serves to keep the shear blades in to the free end of the casting. The lilo and 54 firm engagement so that the tape will be sheared cleanly when the upper blade is depressed.-

serva for Spring l2la the further purpose of biasing the upper blade to an open position so that the tape is free to pass beneath the blade tening means F. A flange 49a is into the moisprovided on the upper edge of the movable blade for-being engaged by the operator's finger is to be actuated.

A stripper III is down at the point when the shear provided to hold the tape where it enters between the shear blades, this stripper being formed of sheet :metal and being provided with a raised portion for receiving the end of the guide serves for the further purpose of 26. It thus anchoring the forward end of the guide. Screws ll! serve to hold the stripper in place.

From the severing device E, the tape passes as, the butt and of which is submerged in water cover is bent upwardly from guide 26 of the bristles 55 and tank 51 formed in the upper end to of the casting. Rapid as indicated at 58. The provided in the forward end of the the introduction of so as to cause the tape to pass between the ends a weighted flap piece 58 The hairs of the brush, by capillary attraction cause moisture to rise which because blade 41 need to the tip of the brush of the use of a lower flat shear not be very long so that the bristles are continuously kept in a moistened condition. downward The liappiece I8 is so constructed that the by its own weight ,with the brush and irrespective time of the bristles maintains a constant film of water 5 between the end of member and causes the brush and the pressure the moisture of the brisiles to be applied evenly over the entire summed surface of the tape as the same is passed over the brush so that no part of the gumrned surface remains unmoistened. By virtue of the resiliency ofthe bristles the moisture is applied evenly and there is no excessive and undesirable wetting of the tape in some places and no insuflicient moistening at other places. The free piv- 15 otal mounting oi the member 56 serves to hold the surface of the tape in proper engagement of variations-inthe position of this end, as may be occasioned, for example, by slight diii'erences in the position of the butt of the brush within recess I or by the bending of the brush bristles. The member 56 thus constitutes a self-adjusting pressure bar for forcing the tape into proper, contact with the brush. 25 The brush may be readily removed from the tank 51, as for p p ses of cleansing, by merely pulling it out by the bristles, and it may be returned into its proper place by merely dropping it, butt end first, into the tank. A projection I is provided in the tank for guiding it into the recess I15.

The operation ily understoodx To obtain a piece of moistened tape, the operator merely places his fingers on the member 36 and, holding this member depressed so that the tape is clamped between jaws 3| and 3B, pulls the feed carriage towards himself, until its motion is arrested by the engagement of lug I80 of the slider with the rear edge of pate 41. During this operation, the end of the tape, which at the commencement of the feed stroke was in guide C, is advanced through the moistener and projected outwardly therefrom with its moistened surface undermost ready for application to the package or parcel for which it is intended. Buckof the machine will now be readling of the tape is prevented by the narrow throat constituted by the guide extension Bio and the rounded rear end of the flap piece 56. At the time when the feed motion of the carriage is arrested, the finger member 36 of the carriage is a short distance from the finger member 49a, of the severing mechanism. When, therefore the carriage is brought to a stop, the operator re- 5 leases the same by continuing the motion of his hand, thus drawing his fingers oil. the member 36 and placing them upon the finger portion 49a. of the severing mechanism E. His hand is thus automatically placed into position for operating 60 this mechanism. This operation is etl'ected by simply depressing the shear blade. The severed piece of tape equal in length to the distance of movement of the feed carriage, ext ends outwardly from the forward end of the machine, as already mentioned, and is retained in this position by virtue of the engagement of the pressure bar 56 with the brush 55. The above-described entire feeding and severing operations are carried out by one hand of the operator, ordinarily the right hand. In the other hand the operator will usually hold the parcel or package to which the tape is to be applied. As the tape issues from the moistener, he will hold the parcel below the mouth of the moistentact with the parcel, so that handling of the moistened side of the tape is entirely unnecessary.

If, for any reason, it is impracticable to hold the parcel in front of the machine, the operator will perform the feeding and severing operations as above, but thereupon use his right hand to take the tape out of the machine and place i on the parcel to which it is to be applied. In tra ferring the tape to it by the edges so as to slightly bow it transversely. In this manner, contact with the moistened surfaceis entirely avoided.

Because of the correlat on between the various parts of the machine, either of the abovedescribed manners of operation may be effected by a simple and substantially continuous movement of the hand.

The length of the piece of tape fed out of" the machine may be controlled by will, by completing only a partial feed stroke or making several full feed strokes before releas-- ing the feeder and operating the severing mech anism. In the usual case, however, it will be desired to withdraw the same amount of tape from the machine at each operation. This amount may be regulated by means of the stop pin which may be placed into one of the openings 48, as hereinabove explained.

Whenga new roll of tape is to be placed into the machine, the tray I6 is removed from the pedestal, as hereinbefore explained, the new roll being placed into the tray in such position that upon unwinding it will beurged against the back wall 16 of the tray, as hereinbefore described. The loose end of the roll is then inserted into the guide, whereupon the machine may be operated' in the usual manner.

When the tape is provided with printed or advertising matter on its ungummed surface, the table member is preferably provided with an index device, which will indicate to the operator how far to insert the tape in order that each piece of tape fed out of the machine will have the printed matter thereon in the desired location. The use ofsuch an index member is rendered possible in the present construction, because the guide C is on top of the table and the upper surface of the tape in the guide is exposed to view, as hereinbefore explained.

The machine, moreover, may be provided with a dog for preventing backward movement of the paper tape in case an operator, not fully acquainted with the proper operation of the machine, should hold the finger-piece 86 depressed during a backward movement of the slider.

Although I have herein shown and described only one specific form of embodiment of the invention, it will be readily understood that -many changes and modifications may be made thereon within the scope of the following claims without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, it being my intention tov claim the same as broadly as the state of the prior art will permit, and that unless otherwise indicated the feeding means claimed in the appended claims is intended to cover any type of feeding means in which the tape is pushed from the rear through a cutter and an automatically self-adjusting brush and presser plate moistening member so that it may the parcel, the operator holds the operator, at

be fed out, moistened and out without having to be touched by the hands of the operator.

I claim:

1. In a device for moistening and gurnmed tape, in combination, tape feeding 5 means for drawing the tape from a source of supmeans for guiding the tape from means to the moistening means in a defined path, tape moi tening means disposed beyond the sevthe severing means at a point located between the feeding means and the moistening means, so that it is necessary at each operation for the feeding means to thrust the leading end of the tape forward from the severing means to and go through the moistening means, said moistening meanscomprising a brush element and a pressing and guiding element jointly forming a tape receiving mouth to receive the leading end 'of the tape, supporting means for said elements supporting the brush element at one side of the path of tape movement and the pressing and guiding element at the opposite side thereof so that the mouth of the moistening means is always in alignment with the path of tape movement to 0 receive the leading end of the advancing tape, and the pressing element and brush are always in contact except when tape is passing therethrough, said supporting means and said pressing and guiding element jointly forming selfa amusting means for maintaining the gummed side of the tape in engagement with the moistening surface of the brush when the tape is present between them and for maintaining the brush and the pressing and guiding element in contact with gummed tape, in combination, tape feeding means 45 for drawing thetape from a source of supply and thrusting it forward, tape severing means disposed beyond the feeding means to which the tape is thrust to and past by the feeding means,

means for guiding the tape from the feeding means to the severing means in a defined path,

ta'pe moistening means disposed beyond the severing means to which the tape is thrust to-and past by the feeding means, the arrangement being such that each dispensed strip is severed by the severing means at a point located between the feeding means and the moistening means, so that it is necessary at each operation for the feeding means to thrust the leading end of the tape forward from the severing means to-and through the moistening means, said moistening means comprising a brush element and a pressing and guiding element jointly forming a tape receiving mouth, supporting means for said elements supporting the brush element at one side of the path of tape movement and the pressing and guiding element at the opposite side thereof so that the mouth of the moistening means is i always in alignment with the path of tape movement to receive the leading end of the advancing tape, and the pressing element and brush are normally in contact except when tape is passing therethrough, said supporting means and said pressing and guiding element jointly forming selfadjusting means for maintaining the gummed 75 the severing l0 when no tape is present between them, and guiding means forwardly of the tape severing means and opposed to the pressing and guiding element to cooperate in guiding the tape between said brush element and said pressing and guiding element and to prevent buckling of the tape.

3. In a device for serving and moistening means for feeding the tape, tape severing means and tape moistening means in the order named, said tape feeding means comprising means to grip the tape and feed it forward through the moistener, said tape severing means comprising a cutter adapted to cut the fed tape in the rear of the moistening means and said moistening means comprising a brush element and a presser element jointly forming a tape receiving mouth, supporting means for said elements supporting the brush element at one side of the path of tape movement and the presser element at the opposite side thereof so that the mouth of the moistening means is always in alignment with the path of tapemovement to receive the end of the advancing tape, and so that the presser element and the brush element tape is passing therethrough, said supporting means and presser element Jointly forming selfadjusting means for maintaining the gummed side of the tape in engagement with the moistening surface of the brush when tape is present between them and for maintaining the brush and presser element in contact with one another to maintain a film of water at the tip engaging end of the brush when no tape is present between them, and guiding means below the presser element and between the tape severing means and the moistening means to guide the advancing tape into the mouth of the moistening means and to prevent buckling thereof.

4. In combination in a gummedtape serving machine, means to support a roll of gummed tape, means to pull the tape from the roll and push the tape forward, a cutter, and a moistener through which the tape is pushed from the rear by the feeding means, means to guide the tape from the cutter to the moistener and to prevent buckling of the tape, said moistener including'a brush and a pivoted weighted pressing and guiding member resting freely on said brush for guiding the tape from the cutter into contact with the moistening surface of said brush and forcing it thereagainst, said brush and said pressing and guiding element being always in contact during normal operation of the machine, except when tape is being passed therethrough.

5. In combination in a gummed tape serving machine, means to support a roll of gummed tape, means to pull the tape from the roll and push the tape forward, a cutter means for guiding the tape from the feeding means to the cutter in a defined path, and a moistener through which the tape is pushed from the rear, said. moistener including a brush and a pivoted weighted pressing and guiding member resting freely on said brush and normally always-in contact therewith except when tape is being passed therethrough for guiding the tape into contact.

( 19,756 side of the tape in engagement with the mo ing surface of the brush when the tape is present between them and for maintaining the brush and the pressing and guiding element in contact with one another to maintain a film of water at the tape engaging end of the brush gummed tape, in combination, tape feeding are normally always in contact except when the 5 with the moistening surface of said brush and pressing it thereagainst, and guiding means opposed to the pressing and guiding member for cooperating in guiding the end of the advancing tape between the brush and the pivoted weighted pressing and guiding mem said guiding means being disposed below the tape path and located sufficiently close to the pressing and guiding member to prevent buckling of the tape between the cutter and the b 1 6. In combination in a'gummed tape serving machine, means to support a roll of gummed tape, feeding means for feeding the tape forward from said roll, a cutter, and a moistening mechanism comprising a brush and presser plate through 15 which the tape is pushed from the rear, means for guiding the tape from the feeding means to the cutter in a defined path, means for applying moisture to said brush, said presser plateconstituting a pivoted gravity operated pressing g0 and guiding member having its end remote from the cutter resting freely on said brush and normally always in contact therewith except when tape is being passed therethrough for holding a film of moisture at the top of the brush when no 25 tape is therebetween and for holding the surface of the tape with uniform pressure in contact with the bristles of the brush when tape is passing therethrough, and its opposite end, ad-

jacent the cutter, freely pivoted to maintain a so substantially uniform the advancing tape.

7. In combination in a gummed tape serving machine, means to support a roll of gummed tape, feeding means for feeding the'tape fors5 ward from said roll, a cutter, a moistening mechanism comprising a brush and a preset through which the tape is pushed from the rear, means for guiding the tape from the feeding means to the cutter in a defined path, means,for 4o applying moisture to said brush, said constituting a pivoted gravity operated pressing and guiding member having its free forward end remote from the cutter resting freely on said brush and normally'always in contact therewith except when tape is being passed th and for holding the surface of the tape with uni-. form pressure in contact with the bristles of r the brush when tape is passing therethrough, and its rear end, adjacent the cutter, fre'ely piv- 5o oted to maintain a substantially uniform relation with the end of the advancing tape,

relation with the end of the cutter to said brush, said pressing and guiding member and said guiding means preventing buckling of the tape.

8. In combination in a gummed tape serving machine, a feeding means for feeding the tape forward, a cutter, and a feeder and cutter for applying moisture to the tape, means for guiding the tape from the feeder to the cutter in a definedpath, said moisture applying device comprising means constituting a reservoir, a brush for conducting liquid'upwardly as out of said reservoir, and a freely pivoted guiding and pressing plate normally bearing at all times against the brush except when tape is passing therethrough and having its pivoted end disposed toward the cutter and at one side of the tape path for engaging the upper surface of tape pushed toward the brush so a to guide the tape toward the tips of the brush bristles and cause the lower surface of the tapeto engage and pass over the tips of the brush bristles with 7i device forwardly of the 00 6. 19,150 I substantially uniform pressure irrespective of the tape between the pressing and guiding memvariations in the position of the brush. her and the brush, and preventing buckling 9. In combination in a gummed tape serving machine, a push feeding means for feeding the tape forward, a cutter, and means constituting 1 a reservoir, means for guiding the tape from the feeding means to the cutter in a deflned path, a brush for conducting liquid outwardly from said a reservoir, means in said reservoir for receiving the butt endof the brush, means for supporting the upper end of the brush so that the axis of the brush" is slightly inclined to the vertical, a pressing and guiding member normally always in contact with the tip of said brush except when tape is being passed therethrough, and mounted to engage the tape as it advances from the cutter, to guide it toward and over the upper end of the brush and to press it against theupper end of the brush with substantiallyuniform pressure irrespective of variations in position of the brush,

and guiding means opposed to the pressing and guiding member for cooperating in guiding the tape between the pressing and guiding member and the brush, and to prevent buckling thereof.

10. In combination in a gummed tape serving machine, a push feeding means for feeding the tape forward, a cutter, means constituting a reservoir, means for guiding the tape from the feeding means to the cutter in a defined path, a brush for conducting liquid outwardly from said reservoir, means in said reservoir for receiving the butt end of the brush, means for supporting the upper end of the brush so that the axis of the brush is slightly inclined to the vertical, a guiding and member in contact with said brush at all times except when tape is passed therebetween, said brush and said guiding and member being relatively movable about an axis substantially parallel to the brush tip whereby the guidingumd pressing member engages and guides the tape from the cutter to and over the upper end of the'brush and presses the tape against the upper endof the brush with substantially uniform' pressure irrespective of variations in position of the brush, and means opposed to the pressing and guiding member for cooperating in guiding the tape between the pressure member and the brush and preventing buckling thereof.

. 11. In combination in a gummed tape serving machine, a support for a roll of gummedtape, a tape feeding means for pushing the tape forward, a tape cutter, means for guiding the tape from r the feeder to the cutter in a defined path and supporting the tape in a manner ling of the tape, a moistening means comprising a reservoir, a brush for conducting liquid outwardly from said reservoir, means in said reservoir for receiving the butt end of the brush, means for supporting the upper end of the brush so that the axis of the brush is slightly inclined to the vertical, and a pressing and guiding member in contact with said brush at all times except when tape is passing therebetween, said brush and said pressing and guiding member being relatively movable about an axis substantially par-.

- allel to the brush tip whereby the pressing and guiding member engages and guides the tape from the cutter toward and over the upper end of the brush and presses brush with substantially uniform pressure irrespective of variations in position of the brush, and whereby the entrance to the moistening means is maintained in alignment with the end of the tape guide, and means below the pressing and gui l member for cooperating in guiding serving machine, a

' of the brush so that the axis of the brush is to engage and ward and over the upper end of the brush and to prevent buckthe tape against the 1 thereof.

12. In combination a push feed gummed tape feeding means, a cutter, means for guiding the tape from the feeding means to the cutter in a defined path, a moistening means comprising, a reservoir, 9. brush -for conducting liquid outwardly from said reservoir, means in said reservoir for receiving the butt end slightly inclined to the vertical, and a guiding and pressing member normally in contact with the tip of said brush at all times except when tape is being passed therethrough, and mounted l5 guide the tape from the cutter $0? to press the tape with substantially uniform pressure against the brush irrespective of variations in position of the brush, said brush and said guiding and pressing member being relatively selfadjusting to maintain said contact irrespective of the bending of the brush bristles, and a lip below the tape path and inclined upwardly for cooperating in guiding the tape between the guiding and pressing member and the brush.

13. In a tape serving device including me to render one surface of said tape adhesive, a guide for tape comprising an integral strip of sheet metal having a longitudinal slot therein and provided with turned-over flanges for forming a channel for the tape, and a tape-advancing member mounted to slide on said guide.

14. In a tape serving device, a guide for tape comprising an integral strip of sheet metal having a longitudinal slot therein and provided with turned-over flanges for forming a channel for the tape, a tape-advancing'member mounted to ride on said guide, said member being provided with flanges for embracing the outer edges of said 40 guide, and means to moisten the tape as it issues from said guide.

15. In a tap serving device, aguide for the tape, means for moistening said tape, means embracing said guide and mounted to slide thereon, said means comprising members adapted to clamp between them the upper and lower surfaces of the tape, and means for moving said members into non-engaging position.

16. In a tape serving device, a guide for the 5 tape, means for severing the. tape advanced from said guide and means for moistening said advanced tape, said guide being formed of sheet metal and constructed to enclose the edges of the tape butleaving the central portion thereof ex- 5 posed, a tape advancing member riding on the edges of said guide, and means associated with said member for engaging the exposed surface of the tape in the guide.

17. In a tape serving machine including means for moistening, the tape, means constituting a support, a guide'for tape mounted on said support, said guide comprising an integral strip of sheet metal having a longitudinalslot therein and provided with turned-over flanges for forming a channel for the tape and being provided with an extension at one end, a supporting member provided in said support for supporting said extension to fasten said guide insaid support and means for feeding the tape from said guide. 18. In combination, aguide for tape,said guide being comprised of a single strip of sheet me having turned-over flanges for forming a chan nelfor the tape and being provided with a lon gitudinal slotfor exposing the surface of from said guide.

19, In combination, a guide for tape, said guide ing, comprised of a single strip of sheet metal having turned-over nel for the tape and being provided with a lon- -of the tape means gitudinal slotfor exposing the surface of the 'tape, means for advancing tape through s d guide, said means comprising a member of sheet metal having flanges for engaging the outer edges of said guide so. as to be free to ride thereon, and tape-engagingmeans associated with said member, said means comprising a raised portion in said member for engaging one surface of the tape, and a jaw for cooperating with said raised portion and for engaging the opposite surface for pivotally mounting said jaw on said member, resilient means for normally holding said jaw in non-engaging position, and means for moistening the tape advanced from said guide.

20. In a tape-serving means, a pair of clamping devices pivotally associated with each other,

one of said devices having a raised portion for normally engaging one surface of thetape, the other of said devices having a jaw portion for at times cooperating with said raised portion to engage the other surface of the tape and clamp the tape between them, resilient means for normally holding said jaw-member in non-engaging position, a finger piece integral with said jaw member for at times operating said jaw member to engaging position, and means, for moistening the served tape as it emerges from said guide.

21. In a tape-serving device, a frame compris- I ing a pedestal, tape-receivingmeans on said pedestal, an upright provided at the forward end of said pedestal having a table in the form of a cantilever extension from said upright, a guide for tape mounted in said table portion of the frame, a tape-advancing means mounted to reciprocate on said guide, a tape moistening mechanism mounted on .the forward end of'the guide, said upright comprising means forming a reservoir for said moistening mechanism, and atape serving device interposed between said guide and said moistening device.

22. In a tape serving device, hand-operated means for feeding the tape toward the operator, means for rendering the tape adhesive, hand-operated means for severing the fed tape, said feeding and serving meansbeing in alignment so .that the hand of the operator will pass in a natural continuous substantially straight line horizontal motion from the said feeding means to the said severing means.

23. In a gummed strip serving device including a guide formed from a single piece 01 sheet metal, adapted to receive and guide a paper strip through its interior and a paper grasping and advancing device over its exterior, means for supplying said,paper strip from a roll without the use of an arbor which comprises a tray having smooth sides and an inclined bottom wall, said bottom wall and one side adapted by frictional contact to retard the unwinding of the roll for the p pose of preventing the unwinding of more than the quantity of paper strip served, and means to moisten the withdrawn strip.

flanges for forming a. chanand adapted to be zontal blade and m vice over its exterior.

25. In a tape-dispensing device, a guide formed from a single piece of sheet metal to enclose the edges and a substantial portion of the width of a paper strip to prevent its curling or buckling, 10

the exterior 01' said guide adapted to act as a track for a strip gripping and advancing means, and means to render said strip adhesive as it issues from said guide.

26. In a tape-dispensing device, a combined 15 guide for paper strip and a strip advancing means comprising a single piece of sheet metal formed into a flat tube having a slot therethrough to permit the strip through said guide, and means to render the strip which issues from said guide adhesive.

27. In a paper strip advancing means, in combination a paper strip guide and a paper strip gripper, embracing, supported by and sliding 25 upon said guide, and having a stationary jaw and a manually movable jaw of cantilever construction, and means to moisten the strip as it is advanced.

28. In a paper strip advancing means including a paper strip guide and a paper strip gripper movable along said guide and having a lower jaw supported in a vertical plane, but movable in a horizontal plane, and an upper jaw hingedly attached to said lower jaw, said upper jaw provided 35 with a finger piece manually operable to bring the two jaws together and to move them in a horizontal plane, and means to moisten the strip as it is advanced.

30. In combination in a tape dispensing device, hand-operated paper strip advancing means, hand-operated cutting means, and moistening means arranged in substantially a straight line blade, spring means urging the cutting edge of ically away from the horins beyond the cutter to moisten the advanced strip or tape, comprising a brush extending upward from the bottom of the tank to the path of tape movement, and a presser cooperative with the b 32. In a tape serving device, a tape guide, hand operated means to feed the tape therethrough, a tank above which the tape is fed, a hand oper- 76 'thaplaneoi tact with said stationary ated tape cutter, including 'a flat, stationary blade ,ter to moisten the advanced strip of tape, comprisina a brush extending upward from the bottom of the tank to the path 0! tape movement, and

- a presser cooperative with the brush.

33. In a dispensing device strip. a tray adapted to hold a roll of gummed paper strip, a guide through which the strip a strip grasping device embracing said guide and slidable along the outside thereof to grasp and to advance said strip, a cutter and a 'moistener to cut and to moisten said strip as it emerges from said guide, said strip grasping device and cutter being arranged in a straight line to Iacilitate theoperation oi the machine.

34. In a dispensing device 101' gummed paper strip, a tray, a guide, a strip grasping device. a cutter and a moistener,

strip, said tray bottom inclined to cause the roll contained therein to have always two points of frictional contact with the tray walls as it unrolls, said guide having an internal passage to 10 receive and guide the paper stripirom said tray, the outside surface oisaid guide forming ways for the strip grasping device, said cutter positioned across the said guide and adapted to cut ofl any section advanced by the said strip grasping 5 means, said moistener provided with a pressure means, a capillary liquid conveying means and multiplex contact means, adapted to moisten the gummed side oi! the paper str p, and to act as a continuation oi the guide. '0

THEODORE H. xauaosn.

said tray 0! relatively s greater length and breadth than a roll of paper 

